Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie was named after a series of valleys cut deep into a range of high mountains.The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie are among the highest rock faces East of the Rockies! Steep slopes, beautiful natural surroundings, and the unusual course of Rivière Malbaie make this an exceptional site. Come and take a voyage into the heart of the Land of Menaud, where time stops but the spectacle goes on and on. This national park has the privilege of being one of the core zones of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve.

From legendary Acropole-des-Draveurs trail, featuring a breathtaking view, by way of Riverain trail, with its amazing lookouts, or along the river via Des Rapides trail, the park offers a great many ways to discover the territory, according to the capacities of each visitor.

Closing of Acropole-des-Draveurs trail

Acropole-des-Draveurs trail of the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is now closed for the winter period as of Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The large presence of ice and snow makes the trail unsafe.

Thrill seekers can explore a section of Rivière Malbaie that really rocks and rolls! Level one and level two rapids await you. Know how to handle a canoe? Got some downriver journey experience under your belt? Then this activity is just for you! From Des Érables dam, you’ll head 7.5 km downriver to Camping du Cran. You can choose between two daily departures: 9:30 a.m. or 1: 30 p.m. Find out more at one of our Visitors Centre or at the equipment rental centre. Pleasure guaranteed!

Reservations: 1-800-665-6527

Period: June 20 to September 7, 2020 (dates may vary depending on river conditions)

Guided excursions

All alone, with friends, or with family, head out to discover Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie in the best possible way: by two-person inflatable canoe. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll travel down the most turbulent part of the river, experience all sorts of new sensations, learn more about how to read the rapids, and enjoy the exceptional panorama of the Hautes Gorges. Treat yourself to a breathtaking trip on the river!

Descente Malbaie offers you three excursions by inflatable canoe, each including an interpretation component to bring this fabulous territory alive. Whether for a half day, a full day or a 24-hour getaway with an overnight stay in a hut or a cabin, you'll be amazed by this exceptional circuit. Please note that, on request, Descente Malbaie can organize a longer stay or even offer you another more robust section of the river.

A 22-passenger shuttle connect Le Draveur Visitors Centre to L'Équerre sector, enabling easy access to this departure point, where you’ll set off to discover a very snowy sector of the park. Find out about possible itineraries, such as a memorable day in L'Équerre sector, in La Coulée-à-Girard or La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc trails, a round trip with a stop at Pointe-aux-Inukshuk, or L'Équerre, offering what may be the most beautiful winter view of Vallée des Glaces. At L'Équerre, a heated shelter awaits you.

Visit the national park during an approximatly 1 and a quarter hour cruise aboard Le Menaud, a riverboat that holds 47 passengers. The rear deck is specially designed to make it easy for you to take photographs. The captain and park warden-naturalist will be more than happy to share their little corner of paradise with you.

You can also try the dusk cruise. Many people consider the 6:30 p.m. cruise the best one of the day. In fact, the river often becomes calm at this time, the animals come out, and the play of light on the rocky cliffs is at its height. Come and share these beautiful moments with the riverboat crew!

The children will be able to put their powers of observation to good use so as to obtain the key that opens the treasure chest!

Excursions on the water are a great way to discover all the beauty of Rivière Malbaie: spectacular scenery, its history and its wildlife. In late afternoon, the river calms down, the wildlife gets moving and the play of light on the rocky cliffs is at its peak.

You can rent canoes by the hour, half day (4-hour) and full day at the equipment rental centre, 160 metres behind Le Draveur Visitors Centre.

Are you camping for a few days? You can leave your personal canoe at the equipment rental centre. Inquire about this. It’s free.

L’Équerre Campground, a breath of freedom! Discover an especially magical part of the park 8 km from Le Draveur Visitors Centre. The site is accessible by canoe along Rivière Malbaie. Find out more about our package!

Mornings on the water deal

Kayaking is a great way for visitors to enjoy a magnificent part of Rivière Malbaie, upstream of Des Érables dam.

Those who paddle all the way to l’Équerre can walk to the foot of a spectacular 45-metre-high waterfall along La-Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc trail. Out on the water, you’ll get a chance to see the impressive rock slides that took place in the Rivière Malbaie valley after the heavy rains of 1996.

You can rent solo and tandem kayaks by the hour, half day (4-hour) and full day at the equipment rental centre, 160 metres behind Le Draveur Visitors Centre.

Are you camping for a few days? You can leave your personal kayak at the equipment rental centre. Inquire about this. It’s free.

Mornings on the water deal

The plateau sector is now open to our clientele for day fishing. You can head off to snag some trout on Porc-Épic, Argentenay, and Châteauguay lakes simply by taking Route 381 until km 55 (about 18 km from route 381). There are brook trout in all three lakes and arctic char in Lac Porc-Épic. These lakes will be open as of June 20, 2020. Book today!

The park offers speckled trout fishing in the following areas:

On Rivière Malbaie, wading or with a Sépaq boat

Upstream of Des Érables dam: wading or with a boat, line or fly fishing

Downstream from Des Érables dam: May 22 to June 30, 2020, wade and fly fishing only

On Lac Noir, with a Sépaq boat

To get to the lake, you must drive 12 km in a logging road vehicle.

You can also access Porc-Épic, Argentenay, and Châteauguay lakes by way of Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre at Parc national des Grands-Jardins or at the administrative office. Check out opening hours or call 418-439-1227. The quota is 15 brook trout, including 5 Arctic char for Lac Porc-Épic.

A paved 8-km path (one way) on a shared route (cars and bicycles), takes you through the beauties of the park from the Félix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and Visitors Centre to Le Draveur Visitors Centre. From there, you can ride 8 km along the gravel cycling path (one way) to L’Équerre. If you want to take a break, there are picnic areas along the way by Rivière Malbaie

To rent a bicyle, go to the equipment rental centre, 160 feet behind Le Draveur Visitors Centre. Baggage and child trailers are also available at the rental centre.

The rabaska canoe is the perfect watercraft for small group excursions accompanied by a park warden-naturalist. To take part in this activity, see the program guide for guided discovery activities (in French only).Rental by the hour, half day (4 hours) and full day also available.

The fish-filled waters of Rivière Malbaie attract several species of fishing birds, including the osprey and the Great Blue Heron. The latter is often seen by riverboat passengers or paddlers who travel the river’s calm waters. It’s is also common to see certain mammals that love the river’s shallow, muddy bottom, such as beaver and moose. Pick up your free self-discovery guide and get to know the wildlife around the river at your own pace. It’s available at the equipment rental centre.

Several other animals inhabit the territory. See the list of mammals and birds in the park.

Ride through the Malbaie river on a stand Up Paddle board. Hawaiian in origin, stand up paddling is an activity that combines surfing and kayaking. This board, designed for calm water, is longer, wider and thicker than standard surfboards designed for waves, and therefore more stable. Standing on a big surfboard, paddle in hand, you can test your balance. It’s fast and easy to learn, and it’s guaranteed fun!

With the advent of winter, Vallée des Glaces becomes the place to discover for many outdoor enthusiasts. Immersed in a magnificent setting, snowshoers can enjoy 8 sign-posted trails making up a 41-km network. A wide choice offering everyone the possibility of discovering the territory according to their own capacities!

Cran des Érables sector invites you to explore the network of Le Riverain trails, an adventure not to be missed, offering a breathtaking view of Vallée de la rivière Malbaie, Des Rapides trail along the river, and the brand-new Lac Sans Oreilles trail.

From Le Draveur Visitors Centre, you can go all the way to Équerre via Rivière Malbaie trail or the multipurpose trail.

Équerre sector, for its part, offers La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc and La Coulée à Moreau trails. The difficulty level of these circuits may vary according to snow conditions and to the chosen trail. Once you arrive at Équerre sector (km 7), a heated shelter awaits you, where you can relax and enjoy a bite to eat.

Transportation is available by simply hopping onboard the Snowcat shuttle ($) departing from Le Draveur Visitors Centre to bring you to Équerre sector with a stop at Pointe-aux-Inukshuks.

Guided tour and package with Katabatik Adventure in Charlevoix

Get started by taking advantage of a guided tour or a package including equipment rental (Hok skis or snowshoes) and transportation between La Malbaie accommodations and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

Strap on your skis and set off along more than 41 km of trails, which are not track-set or groomed but are marked, so you can discover Vallée des glaces in sectors that are already known or still to be discovered, including Équerre sector and the western section of the valley (via Coulée du lac à Girard trail). Cran des Érables sector offers you the possibility of exploring Le Riverain, Les Rapides, or Le Sans Oreilles trails.

From Draveur, you can slide along Rivière Malbaie or the bike path until Équerre sector, featuring La Chute-du-Ruisseau-Blanc and La Coulée du lac à Girard. The difficulty level of these circuits may vary according to snow conditions and to your chosen trail.

Transportation is available by simply hopping onboard the Snowcat shuttle ($) departing from Le Draveur Visitors Centre to bring you to Équerre sector. You can use this mode of transportation (reservation required) either for a round trip or for a one-way trip in combination with a self-directed circuit.

Once you arrive at Équerre sector (km 7), a heated shelter awaits you.

Parking: At the park entrance in front of the gatehouse, at km 2 (Pont des Érables), and at Le Draveur Visitors Centre

Period: December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 (depending on snow conditions)

Guided tour and package with Katabatik Adventure in Charlevoix

Get started by taking advantage of a guided tour or a package including equipment rental (Hok skis or snowshoes) and transportation between La Malbaie accommodations and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

Come and skate in Vallée des Glaces, directly on Rivière Malbaie. Both a ring and an ice pathway, this truly natural site will offer a unique landscape for an activity that’s accessible to one and all.

Meeting place: Le Draveur Visitors Centre

Bring your skates. Equipment rental is not offered.

Period: Mid-January to March (according to snow conditions)

Please note that the rink schedule may vary according to snow conditions. For more details, see our snow conditions

IMPORTANT: Please note that ice climbing is prohibited until further notice.

Every winter, skilled climbers take on various ic climbing walls, including the Pomme d’Or, this spectacular and perilous rock face along Rivière Malbaie. For permission to climb these ice walls in the park, you’ll need to fill out this form (in French only). Refer to Registration Terms and Conditions for all the details, including the list of autorised climbing walls.

Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and completely autonomous in order to take part in this activity. With the winter opening of Vallée des Glaces, the climb is more accessible than ever before. You can drive to Le Draveur Visitors Centre. From there, La Pomme d'Or wall is 4 km away, toward Équerre. There are three ways to get there: by ski, snowshoe, or Snow Cat shuttle.

We strongly recommend bringing a satellite telephone or a SPOT-type emergency message device. There is no emergency telephone on the site and the cell phone network does not serve the park’s territory.

Skishoes are a versatile gear combines the qualities of cross country skis and snowshoes. They are almost exclusively used off track. The bottom of the ski is partially covered with a climbing skin for uphill traction. It also has a universal binding that fits several kinds of boots. Skishoes are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes.

Skishoes rental is offered at Le Draveur Visitors Centre from December 21, 2019, to March 29, 2020.

Parking:At the park entrance in front of the gatehouse, at km 2 (Pont des Érables), and at Le Draveur Visitors Centre

Period: December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 (according to snow conditions)

Guided tour and package with Katabatik Adventure in Charlevoix

Get started by taking advantage of a guided tour or a package including equipment rental (Skishoes or snowshoes) and transportation between La Malbaie accommodations and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

A place for conservation and education, Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired six recreational/educational activities. Aimed at elementary, high school or college students, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience...

The park is near Manoir Richelieu. Why not add a cruise with organized activities on Rivière Malbaie or a hike to your event? Also, the windows in Le Draveur Visitors Centre and the outdoor terrace make this a perfect place for savouring your meal in a fabulous setting.

This cabin features two rooms, including a closed one, which can comfortably accommodate four persons. A true four-season family cabin! Users will of course enjoy the vast windows providing a connection to the surrounding landscapes; a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, a cooker, and a sink; a bathroom with toilet and shower; and a wood stove in which to light a crackling fire.

Tents and recreational vehicles

To discover and appreciate the secrets of Hautes-Gorges, come camp on one of our semi-serviced camping (washroom facilities with showers and toilets), 1 service camping (electricity) or on a rustic camping (pit toilets).

Le Cran, 0.5 km from the Félix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and Visitors Centre, offers 79 semi-serviced campsites and 15 campsites with 1 service (electricity) that can accommodates all types of equipment.

Le Pin-Blanc (semi-serviced), 2 km from Le Draveur Visitors Centre and close to the Acropole des Draveurs trail, 20 individual campsites and a group site.

L’Équerre (rustic campsites), 8 km from Le Draveur Visitors Centre, 25 campsites in the forest or near the river. IMPORTANT: this site is accessible on foot or bicycle via the cycling path (8 km) or by canoe along Rivière Malbaie (8 km). If you haven’t already done so, take advantage of the Équerre package by calling 1-800-665-6527 and book a watercraft or bicycle with a luggage trailer for the length of your stay.

L'Équerre campers must park their car at Le Draveur Visitors Centre for the lenght of their stay, at the location identified L'Équerre.

RV area

In addition to the campsites already set up for your recreational vehicle, L'Épervier RV area offers sites designed specially for trailers and motorhomes. This RV area is completely open and unwooded with a gravel surface. It is recommended for self-reliant visitors because it is farther away from washroom facilities (toilet and shower). Check the characteristics to be sure it suits you.

Group camping

Campsites are also available for group camping. Ideal for school groups, summer camps, families and big groups of friends.

Period: mid-May to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

L’Équerre, a breath of freedom! Discover an especially magical area of the park, 8 km from the Draveur Visitors Centre. The site is accessible on foot or by bicycle or canoe along Rivière Malbaie. You will discover one of the most beautiful areas of the park. Find out more about our package!

L'Équerre campers must park their car at Le Draveur Visitors Centre for the lenght of their stay, at the location identified L'Équerre.

Hassle-free camping, perfect for the whole family! This type of lodging has 2 bedrooms with 2 spacious beds, everything you need for cooking, a heater, lighting, table and chairs. Outside, you’ll find a picnic table, 4 garden chairs and a fireplace.

Le Cran (semi-serviced) has 19 ready-to-camp tents, to the great pleasure of our campers. They are accessible by car.

Le Pin-Blanc (semi-serviced) offers 5 ready-to-camp tents near Rivière Malbaie. They are only accessible on foot (distance between 95 and 215 metres). A baggage trailer is available to transport your personal belongings.

Period: mid-May to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

Get back in touch with nature! Come try canoe-camping or bike-camping and enjoy one of the 25 campsites in the l'Équerre sector. The Équerre package offers 1 to 3 nights of camping and 2 to 4 days of canoeing or biking in a gorgeous setting.

The package includes:

Rustic Campsite at l'Équerre

Canoe rental or bicycle and luggage trailer rental

2 bundles of firewood/night

Details:

Length: 1 to 3 nights, 2 to 4 days (1 night and 2 days for bike-camping)

There is no baggage transport service between Le Draveur Visitors Centre and L'Équerre.

You must bring your garbage back to the Equipment Rental Centre.

Important: We would remind you that Camping de l'Équerre is not accessible by car. Campers must travel 8 km by canoe or bicycle or on foot to get there. If you haven’t already done so, take advantage of the Équerre package by calling 1-800-665-6527 and book a watercraft for the length of your stay.

L'Équerre campers must park their car at Le Draveur Visitors Centre for the lenght of their stay, at the location identified L'Équerre.

Rates:

Canoeing:

Starting at $99/2 adults/1 night

Starting at $168/2 adults/2 nights

Starting at $216/2 adults/3 nights

Biking:

Starting at $133/2 adults/1 night

Periods:

June 19 to September 7, 2020

June 18 to September 5, 2021

Park access authorization

You must now purchase your access rights on the website prior to your visit. This new measure contributes to the collective effort to combat the spread of COVID‑19.

Combine the culinary delights of Charlevoix with the beauty of the park's landscapes! A food service at Le Draveur Visitors Centre offers local products from the region: duck sandwich, smoked trout panini, smoked pork, Charlevoix microbrewery beer, and more. Details

Feeling like getting inspired during your summer vacations? Baie-Saint-Paul is a cultural capital, magnificent pedestrian village, where wonders and splendors meet between mountains and rivers. Poets, painters and public entertainers have found there a deeper inspiration, greater than nature. Come and find yours!

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